40. Freewrite: Twelve

Freewrites are fun. There's no pressure. There are no rules. You can write anything you want. Coherence not required.

A freewrite is when you are given a topic. Don't think. Immediately start writing. Keep writing whatever comes to mind. Your pen or pencil (or fingers if you are typing) should not stop. Don't think about how you're going to say things, just keep writing. Don't go back. Don't change anything.

At EWR we did 5 minute freewrites. After we stopped, we had to write, "I noticed I am writing about..." Below is a freewrite from EWR on the topic "Twelve."



Twelve disciples. Twelve-year old girl who died. Twelve-year old Jesus. Twelve. Twelve. Twelve. Why is this number so important in the Bible? Jesus once said, “There are twelve hours in a day.” Yes, our time on earth is important. We must use all we have to serve God. All our time.

But a question comes to mind. Why does the number 12 signify completeness? The chosen people…those who are being saved in Revelations—the 144,000. That is also some multiple of 12? Or … wait.. I dunno if that works.

But nonetheless, twelve in an important number. If you add one, it becomes thirteen, which is an unlucky number.

Once, someone asked me, “What age would u want to remain forever?” I think we were talking about when we get to heaven and what age we would be.

I confidently answered, “Twelve.”

Then this person proceeded to comment, “What is because that was before you lost your innocence?”

I just laughed and changed the subject. Maybe because I knew that that was not the reason I said twelve. Or maybe it was because I was embarrassed that the truth was I had lost my innocence way before I was 12? But the real reason I said twelve was because that was a point in my life when I felt I was worry-free. Everything in my life seemed satisfying and I was very content. No worries about school—junior high or high school stress—just going to elementary school (6th grade) and then going home. Going to church. Going to choir. What a joyful time.

Though we often want to remain satisfied and never want to give up our own contentment and comfort, we know there are only 12 hours in a day. There is a limited time and we must serve God while we can.

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I noticed that I am writing about using our limited/given time wisely as servants of God. I noticed I am also writing about joy?